Biosecurity Queensland Department of Employment, Development Economic Innovation and

Technical highlights Invasive plant and research 2010–11 CS0830 2/12

ISSN 1838-6350

© State of Queensland, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, 2012.

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Summary 2

Achievements 2

Business report 4

Collaboration and extension 4

External funding 6

Research and development contracts 6

Land Protection Fund 6

Research staff 7

Ecosciences Precinct 7

Health and Food Sciences Precinct 8

Robert Wicks Pest Animal Research Centre 8

Tropical Weeds Research Centre 9

Publications and presentations 10

Journal articles 10

Book chapters 10

Reports 10

Theses 11

Contributions to conferences and workshops 11

Forums and meetings 12

Lectures, seminars and interviews 13

Field days 13 Summary

Achievements improve control options for calotrope with the stem-galling moth (Epiblema and we have now commenced a number strenuana) and competition from buffel Our goal is to deliver innovative, applied of experiments on chemical and grass may not be effective. science to better manage Queensland’s mechanical control. worst weeds and pest and to The Primary Industries Ministerial reduce their impacts on agriculture, the We are continuing to develop effective Council supported an application to environment and the community. This herbicide recommendations for release two biological control agents can be achieved by developing new and problematic weeds. Rate screening trials targeting mother-of-millions through improved pest management practices using a range of techniques (basal bark the processes laid out in the Biological and expanding our knowledge of the spraying, foliar spraying, cut stump Control Act 1987. Nationwide stakeholder impact, ecology and management of and stem injection) have identified consultation is now in progress. weeds and pest animals. In the past chemicals and application rates that will year, our team of scientists has made provide high mortality of Captain Cook Landscape protection and significant contributions towards tree. Fluroxypyr has proven the most restoration achieving this goal through our four effective for basal bark spraying, foliar research programs. spraying and cut stump applications, Our biological control program currently while glyphosate caused the highest targets three major environmental Integrated weed management mortality using stem injection. weeds of Queensland: cat’s claw creeper, Madeira vine and . A long-term collaborative research Our evaluation of the efficacy of the project on the ecology and integrated EZ-Ject herbicide lance to control woody We have concluded field releases of management of bellyache bush weeds by stem injection has concluded; the leaf-sucking tingid (Carvalhotingis conducted at the Tropical Weeds results were published in The Rangeland visenda) and the leaf-tying moth Research Centre (TWRC) in Charters Journal (Vitelli & Madigan 2011). We (Hypocosmia pyrochroma) targeting cat’s Towers has now been completed. During found that this tool generally provided claw creeper. Both agents appear to have 11 years of research, we have gained effective control of the three trialled established successfully at numerous sites many new insights into the ecology (for weeds, but the degree of control varied in Queensland and New South Wales, example reproductive behaviour and among species, with efficacy influenced but monitoring is ongoing. Also, we seed longevity) and control of bellyache by herbicide and number of cartridges have completed host-specificity testing bush. We have summarised the findings injected. Treatment costs were high, on a further agent, the leaf-mining in numerous scientific publications confirming that the EZ-Ject herbicide buprestid (Hylaeogena jureceki). and have also made them available lance may be most suited to weed control Results indicate that this beetle is highly to land managers across northern in sensitive areas, including those with target-specific and can severely damage Australia in the Bellyache bush (Jatropha high conservation values. cat’s claw creeper. We have submitted gossypiifolia) management manual. The an application to Australian regulatory biological control program on bellyache In our biological control program for authorities to release this agent. bush continues. Our collaborators at prickly acacia, native range surveys CABI Europe – United Kingdom (CABI and preliminary host-specificity tests Following successful host-specificity Europe–UK) are currently conducting conducted by collaborators in India have testing, Australian regulatory authorities detailed host-specificity testing of yielded a number of potential biological gave approval (in early 2011) to release the jatropha rust fungus (Phakospora control agents. We have imported three the leaf beetle (Plectonycha correntina) jatrophicola). prioritised species into quarantine targeting Madeira vine. The case for at the Ecosciences Precinct and one this insect was the first to be processed Our team is undertaking a collaborative rust fungus into quarantine facilities through Biosecurity Australia’s new project, funded by Meat and Livestock of collaborators at CABI Europe—UK, protocols for biological control agents. Australia (MLA), on the spread, ecology, and have commenced detailed host- We have since mass-reared the beetle invasiveness and control of calotrope. specificity testing. highly successfully in glasshouses at the The inaugural meeting of an advisory Ecosciences Precinct and have released committee—comprising representatives Studies on the impact of plant over 2000 to date, primarily in from state and territory governments, competition and biological control on the western suburbs of Brisbane. pastoral companies, natural resource parthenium growing under different management bodies, community groups climatic conditions suggested that in a Host-specificity testing of a new and Charles Darwin University—was held warming climate (with elevated carbon biological control agent targeting in Katherine in 2010. Our role is to dioxide levels), biological control lantana—the budmite (Aceria lantanae)—

2 Technical highlights: invasive plant and animal research 2010–11 found it was sufficiently specific to release. recruitment is spatially displaced in A collaborative research project assessed We have imported the budmite into the relation to established individuals. This feral pig damage to grain crops and the quarantine at the Ecosciences Precinct and finding implies that in a landscape effectiveness of harvesting in managing are awaiting approval to release. where burning is used as a management feral pig populations in south-western tool, any follow-up with herbicide can Queensland. This project was supported We also carry out a number of research simply concentrate on spaces between by the Queensland Murray–Darling projects in support of Queensland’s weed established individuals to reduce Committee (QMDC) and the Australian eradication programs. They contributed recruitment, thereby reducing both Government Department of Agriculture, some important insights during the herbicide and labour costs. Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Field and past year: landholder surveys provided estimates Another study has shown that ant of the economic cost of feral pig damage • Trials on age to maturity of Siam communities are surprisingly resilient to to grain producers. Awareness of this weed in the wet and dry tropics invasion by cat’s claw creeper (Osunkoya will help to justify and promote feral pig showed that under ideal (pot) et al. 2011). This serves as a warning control measures. However, attempts to conditions Siam weed can initiate against making assumptions about determine the extent of feral pig damage flower buds within just four months. invasion impacts based on in grain crops using satellite imagery were This highlights the importance of visual appearances. not successful. Despite several attempts effectively surveying and controlling using visual and pixel-based approaches, infestations between early February A study investigating the impact of cat’s there was no apparent match between and the flowering period in May/June. claw creeper on 23 soil physicochemical field survey points and evident damage • Results of a seed immersion trial properties indicated that cat’s claw in the images. Monitoring of feral pig involving Siam weed, clidemia, creeper can improve soil fertility and density found that although numbers miconia and limnocharis influence nutrient cycling, making the fluctuated during the study period due demonstrated that seed from all four substratum ideal for its own growth. to environmental conditions, there was species can be readily dispersed This is consistent with previous findings no clear decline in abundance; combined by sea or brackish water. However, for lantana and might explain the ability control activities had, at best, been able highly saline environments are of these weeds to out-compete other to suppress population growth. Analysis not suitable habitats for plant species, especially native ones. of commercial harvesting data indicated establishment. that while current harvest rates may be • Molecular studies of Mimosa A new project investigating the ecology sufficiently high to hold populations at low pigra found a high level of genetic of cabomba found that this aquatic weed densities, feral pig populations are likely homogeneity within Australian is able to regenerate successfully even to recover following an increase in food samples analysed, suggesting that from single node fragments. While the supply or a reduction in harvest effort. there was only a single introduction pH of the water seems to be an overall of this weed into Australia, possibly limiting factor, cabomba may establish Analysis of data on the distribution from Brazil or Mexico. Further even in nutrient-poor waters as long as of rabbits using the web-based investigations are needed to confirm nutrients are available in the substrate. mapping tool RabbitScan and historical these results. records revealed that the area exposed • We obtained new minor use permits Pest animal management to the impact of rabbits in Australia is from the Australian Pesticides and at least 2 213 598 km2 or 29% of the Veterinary Medicines Authority A study on a property near Hughenden continent. Very high warren densities (APVMA) for control of gingers in northern Queensland examined how have been reported in 4% of this area (Hedychium spp.) and tussock grasses guardian dogs keep livestock safe from (84 021 km2) and 74% of these reports (Nassella spp.). wild dogs. It revealed that maremma were in the area of overlap between sheepdogs prevent wild dog attacks by historical and RabbitScan records, where Our ecology team has continued staying close to the sheep rather than rabbit populations have been most stable investigations into the ecological patrolling the boundary of the paddock over time. These areas are probably the properties and impacts of terrestrial and and aggressively chasing off intruders. most productive breeding places and the aquatic priority weeds. Although wild dogs frequently roamed source of rabbits for surrounding areas. inside sheep paddocks, no sheep were Therefore, they need priority treatment. Spatial pattern analyses of lantana attacked or killed on the study property. plants surveyed since 2008 indicated We are currently replicating the study that, after fire, seedling/juvenile on a property near Jericho in central western Queensland.

Technical highlights: invasive plant and animal research 2010–11 3 Genetic studies on rabbit populations distributed $12.4 million to fund was transferring operations from the in south-eastern Queensland have research and to administer the National Alan Fletcher Research Station to the identified five genetically distinct Weeds and Productivity Research Ecosciences Precinct and re-establishing populations. Analyses suggest that Program until 30 June 2012. Our them in this world-class facility. rabbits that have recently invaded the group obtained funding for four weed ‘clean’ side of the rabbit-proof fence at research projects (biological control As in previous years, our research Cottonvale and Dalveen are likely to of prickly acacia, cabomba ecology, program for 2010–11 was endorsed have come from the ‘dirty’ side of the aquatic herbicide research and herbicide by the Research Review Committee, a fence at Cottonvale and ultimately from resistance in non-cropping systems). group of senior scientific, operations the Eukey area, probably via occasional Most of the funds will be forthcoming and policy staff from Biosecurity holes in the fence. These results imply during 2011–12. Queensland. The committee critically that, to reduce the chance of further reviews proposed project outcomes and invasions, rabbit control must extend Some of our pest animal research allocated investments. It also makes beyond the Darling Downs – Moreton projects continue to be supported recommendations on strategic priorities, Rabbit Board area. by the DAFF-funded Australian Pest existing research gaps and projects due Animal Research Program and the for scientific review. Research services Invasive Animals CRC. We have also developed a number of project proposals, There were no changes to the senior During 2010–11, our pest chemistry with promised financial support, as part management and research team in laboratory performed 160 toxicological of an extension bid for the Invasive 2010–11. However, Principal Scientist and investigations relating to the use of Animals CRC. If successful, this will Manager Dr Gabrielle Vivian-Smith acted vertebrate pesticides. We completed guide a large component of our pest as the Director of Biosecurity Queensland’s determinations of 1080 (sodium animal research over the next myrtle rust response in fluoroacetate) residues in 70 fox baits 3–5 years. We continue to seek external the second half of the financial year. for input into a model describing funding, despite a dwindling pool of In 2010–11, a total of 68 staff were the degradation of the baits in the funds, and have received support from engaged at our six research locations. (See environment. In addition, we have the Australian Collaborative Rangelands the research staff listings on pages 7–9.) produced 840 L of 1080 pig bait solution Information System to examine trends in (36 g L-1) in accordance with the the distribution and abundance of feral upcoming APVMA registration and have goats across Australia over the past Collaboration and extension obtained or renewed nine minor use or 30 years. emergency permits to support invasive Under the RIRDC-funded National Weeds plant and animal control in Queensland. The chemistry team relocated to new and Productivity Research Program, we laboratories at the Health and Food collaborate with Australian research Sciences Precinct in early May 2010, and partners on a number of projects. Our Business report the remainder of staff from the former collaborators include Charles Sturt Alan Fletcher Research Station moved to University (biological control of prickly In the financial year 2010–11, Invasive the new Ecosciences Precinct in Dutton acacia); the University of Wollongong Plant and Animal Science received total Park, Brisbane, in November 2010. An (impacts of exotic vines on plant funding of $6.2 million. Queensland official ceremony to mark the closure of health in native ecosystems); and the Government base funds provided the Alan Fletcher Research Station and University of Adelaide, Independent $4.0 million, contributions from the celebrate the significant achievements Consultants Australia Network and Land Protection Fund amounted to made during its 90-year history was held Agronomo (herbicide resistance in $1.7 million and funding from research on 10 November 2010. The Ecosciences non-cropping systems). Our projects on and development contracts with external Precinct provides our research team aquatic herbicide research, herbicide partners totalled $0.5 million. (See the with new state-of-the-art facilities, resistance in non-cropping systems funding overview tables on page 6.) including a rooftop QC3 quarantine and cabomba ecology are also closely facility, glasshouses, shadehouses, linked with efforts by other government National funding opportunities for experimental pond areas and purpose- agencies, including the New South Wales weed research have been limited since built laboratories. It also brings exciting Government Department of Primary the closure of the Cooperative Research opportunities for closer collaboration Industries (NSW DPI); the Northern Centre (CRC) for Australian Weed with other research groups from the Territory Government Department of Management in 2008. However, in early CSIRO and the Queensland Government Natural Resources, Environment, The 2011, the Rural Industries Research Department of Environment and Resource Arts and Sport; the Western Australian and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Management. A major focus for the year Government Department of Agriculture

4 Technical highlights: invasive plant and animal research 2010–11 and Food; the Victorian Government presentations and poster displays to these Department of Primary Industries; the events. Also, they participated in major Australian Government Department international workshops on the biological of Sustainability, Environment, Water, control and management of Siam weed Population and Communities; and CSIRO and parthenium held in Nairobi, Kenya, on Ecosystem Sciences. 1–5 November 2010. (See the publications and presentations listings on pages 10–14.) We continue to be a core participant in the Invasive Animals CRC, working We also disseminate important research closely with pest animal experts from findings and updates on best-practice across Australia on a range of joint weed and pest animal management projects (e.g. rabbit resistance to rabbit to community and industry groups, haemorrhagic disease virus and the landholders and land managers through development of a new bait for wild dogs, various extension activities. In the past foxes and cats). year, scientific and technical staff led or participated in dozens of weed and Our other key collaborators in pest animal workshops, forums, lectures, Australia include The University of seminars and public field days across Queensland, the Queensland University Queensland. of Technology, the University of New England, the Australian Centre for I am pleased to present Technical International Agricultural Research highlights: invasive plant and animal (ACIAR) and the Queensland research 2010–11 to our clients, Government Department of Environment collaborators and colleagues. and Resource Management. We also As in previous years, we welcome any maintain productive international suggestions on how we could improve partnerships with the Agricultural the presentation and delivery of this Research Council — Plant Protection report. (Please see the attached client Research Institute in South Africa, the feedback survey.) We also encourage Arid Forest Research Institute and the all readers to visit the invasive plant Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree and animal science pages on the Breeding in India, and CABI Europe—UK. Biosecurity Queensland website Many of our research activities require (www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au). In field trials or sampling on the properties addition, you can browse through of private landholders. We greatly value our recent scientific publications their continued support. in the eResearch Archive on the Department of Employment, Economic Communication of results is an essential Development and Innovation website at part of our research. We convey www.deedi.qld.gov.au (search ‘eRA’). research findings to scientific and land If you have any comments or require management professionals through further information, please call me publications and conferences. In the past on (07) 3255 4450 or email year, our scientific staff authored or [email protected] co-authored 18 peer-reviewed articles, 11 in international journals and 7 in Australian journals. Our scientists had significant involvement in the 3rd Queensland Pest Animal Symposium Dr Tony Pople (held in Gladstone on 3–5 August 2010), the 17th Australasian Weeds Conference Acting Manager (held in Christchurch, New Zealand, Invasive Plant and Animal Science on 26–30 September 2010) and the Biosecurity Queensland 15th Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference (held in Sydney on 20–23 June 2011). They contributed 26 papers,

Technical highlights: invasive plant and animal research 2010–11 5 External funding

Research and development contracts

Project/research area Funding body Funds ($) Controlling calotrope in northern Australia MLA 90 000 Biological control of bellyache bush MLA 30 000 Biological control of parthenium AusAID 8 000 Biological control of prickly acacia MLA 85 000 RIRDC 41 000 Biological control of Hudson pear NSW DPI 31 000 Biological control of mikania vine in Papua New Guinea and Fiji ACIAR 70 000 Water weed herbicide research RIRDC 50 000 Livestock guardian dog/wild dog interaction study DAFF 30 000 PAPP, a new toxin for managing wild dogs, foxes and feral cats Invasive Animals CRC 15 000 Assessing the role of harvesting in feral pig management QMDC 51 000 Assessing feral pig damage to crops using remote sensing DAFF 22 000 Rabbit research NSW DPI 3 000 Total 526 000

Land Protection Fund

Project/research area Funds ($) Seed dynamics 47 000 Herbicide application research 76 000 Biological control of bellyache bush 47 000 Biological control of prickly acacia 38 000 Biological control of mother-of-millions 73 000 Biological control of cat’s claw creeper 148 000 Biological control of Madeira vine 193 000 Biological control of lantana 129 000 Rearing and release of weed biological control agents 178 000 Ecology and control of wet tropics weeds 62 000 Population viability analysis for better management of lantana 37 000 Water weed research (including cabomba ecology) 120 000 Feral pig best practice research in northern Queensland 128 000 Rabbit research 276 000 Pest management chemistry and chemical registration 165 000 Total 1 717 000

6 Technical highlights: invasive plant and animal research 2010–11 Research staff

Ecosciences Precinct

GPO Box 267 Brisbane Qld 4001

Tel: (07) 3255 4518 Fax: (07) 3846 6371 Email: [email protected]

Dr Gabrielle Vivian-Smith Principal Scientist, Manager Dr Dane Panetta Principal Scientist, Professional Leader Dr Bill Palmer Principal Entomologist Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland Dr K. Dhileepan Principal Entomologist Joseph Vitelli Principal Weed Scientist Michael Day Senior Entomologist Dr Olusegun Osunkoya Senior Scientist Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Environmental Futures Centre, Griffith University Dr Tobias Bickel Aquatic Weed Scientist Cathy Lockett Entomologist David Holdom Scientist Di Taylor Scientist Annerose Chamberlain Experimentalist Peter Jones Experimentalist Jayd McCarthy Experimentalist Christine Perrett Experimentalist Natasha Riding Experimentalist Wilmot Senaratne Experimentalist Liz Snow Experimentalist Mariano Treviño Experimentalist Jens Froese Project Officer Donna Buckley Administration Officer Rose Broe Image Archivist Patrick Rogers Senior Operations Supervisor Mark Mitchell Groundsperson Cameron Clark Experimentalist (casual) Asad Shabbir Experimentalist (casual)

Technical highlights: invasive plant and animal research 2010–11 7 Health and Food Sciences Precinct

PO Box 156 Archerfield Qld 4108

Tel: (07) 3276 6112 Fax: (07) 3216 6565 Email: [email protected]

Lesley Ruddle Senior Scientist Alyson Weier Experimentalist Emily Strong Scientific Assistant (casual)

Robert Wicks Pest Animal Research Centre

Toowoomba

PO Box 102 Toowoomba Qld 4350

Tel: (07) 4688 1083 Fax: (07) 4688 1448 Email: [email protected]

Dr Tony Pople Principal Scientist, Acting Manager Dr Lee Allen Senior Zoologist Dr David Berman Senior Zoologist Dr Matt Gentle Zoologist Peter Elsworth Experimentalist Michael Brennan Experimentalist Damian Byrne Experimentalist James Speed Experimentalist Mark Goullett Scientific Assistant Jennifer Harvey Project Officer

Inglewood

PO Box 178 Inglewood Qld 4387

Tel: (07) 4652 1599 Fax: (07) 4652 1295 Email: [email protected]

David Aster Scientific Assistant Glen Rettke Equipment and Services Officer Maria Granzotto Administration Officer/Cleaner Andrew Granzotto Scientific Assistant Brian Koina Maintenance Officer

8 Technical highlights: invasive plant and animal research 2010–11 Tropical Weeds Research Centre

Charters Towers

PO Box 187 Charters Towers Qld 4820

Tel: (07) 4761 5700 Fax: (07) 4761 5757 Email: [email protected]

Dr Shane Campbell Principal Scientist, Professional Leader Dr Jim Mitchell Senior Zoologist Dr Wayne Vogler Senior Weed Scientist Dr Faiz Bebawi Senior Weed Scientist Simon Brooks Weed Scientist Dr Chris O’Donnell Weed Scientist John McKenzie Rangeland Weeds Officer Dannielle Brazier Experimentalist Barbara Madigan Experimentalist Kelli Pukallus Experimentalist Laura Roden Experimentalist Brian Ross Experimentalist Debra Haynes Centre Administration Officer Emma Delacour Administration Officer Sharon Rossow Administration Officer Rodney Stevenson Operations Supervisor Carl Anderson Maintenance Officer Chris Crowley Scientific Assistant Kirsty Gough Scientific Assistant Samuel Hughes Scientific Assistant Kyle Risdale Scientific Assistant

South Johnstone (Centre for Wet Tropics Agriculture)

PO Box 20 South Johnstone Qld 4859

Tel: (07) 4064 1130 Fax: (07) 4064 2249 Email: [email protected]

Melissa Setter Weed Scientist Stephen Setter Experimentalist Katie Patane Experimentalist

Technical highlights: invasive plant and animal research 2010–11 9 Publications and presentations

Journal articles Osunkoya, OO & Perrett, C 2011, ‘Lantana Book chapters camara L. () invasion effects on soil physicochemical properties’, Biology and Bebawi, FF, Vitelli, JS, Campbell, Bickel, TO 2011, ‘Lagarosiphon major Fertility of Soils 47(3): 349–55. SD & Mayer, RJ 2011, ‘Impact of control (Ridley) Moss ex Wager (Curly Water strategies on bellyache bush (Jatropha Osunkoya, OO, Polo, C & Andersen, AN Weed)’, in RA Francis (ed.), A handbook gossypiifolia L.) mortality, seedling 2011, ‘Invasion impacts on biodiversity: of global freshwater invasive species, recruitment, population dynamics, pasture responses of ant communities to infestation Earthscan, Oxford, pp. 79–90. yield and cost analysis’, The Rangeland by cat’s claw creeper, Macfadyena unguis- Journal 33(3): 277–86. cati (Bignoniaceae) in subtropical Australia’, Biological Invasions 13(10): 2289–302. Reports Berman, D, Brennan, M & Elsworth, P 2011, ‘How can warren destruction by ripping Panetta, FD, Csurhes, SM, Markula, A Allen, L 2010, Livestock guardian dog/wild control European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus & Hannan-Jones, MA 2011, ‘Predicting the dog interaction study, Progress report to cuniculus) on large properties in the cost of eradication for 41 Class 1 declared the Australian Government Department of Australian arid zone?’, Wildlife Research weeds in Queensland’, Plant Protection Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra. 38(1): 77–88. Quarterly 26(2): 42–6. Bickel, T 2011, Cunnamulla water lettuce Day, MD & Nahrung, HF 2010, ‘Preference Shortus, M & Dhileepan, K 2011, ‘Two issues, Technical report, Biosecurity and performance of Aconophora compressa varieties of the invasive liana, cat’s Queensland, Brisbane. Walker (: Membracidae) on claw creeper, Macfadyena unguis-cati different lantana phenotypes in Australia’, (Bignoniaceae) in Queensland, Australia’, Day, MD 2011, Biological control of Australian Journal of Entomology Proceedings of the Royal Society of Chromolaena odorata in PNG (CP/1996/91), 49(4): 363–68. Queensland 116: 13–20. Final report to the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, Canberra. Dhileepan, K, Treviño, M, Bayliss, D, Skurka Darin, GMS, Schoenig, S, Barney, JN, Saunders, M, Shortus, M, McCarthy, J, Panetta, FD & DiTomaso, JM 2011, ‘WHIPPET: Dhileepan, K & Taylor, D 2011, Application Snow, EL et al. 2010, ‘Introduction and a novel tool for prioritizing invasive plant to release Hylaeogena jureceki Obenberger establishment of Carvalhotingis visenda populations for regional eradication’, Journal (Coleoptera: ), a potential (Hemiptera: Tingidae) as a biological control of Environmental Management 92(1): 131–9. biological control agent for cat’s claw agent for cat’s claw creeper Macfadyena creeper Macfadyena unguis-cati L. Gentry unguis-cati (Bignoniaceae) in Australia’, van Driesche, RG, Carruthers, RI, Center, (Bignoniaceae), Application to the Australian Biological Control 55(1): 58–62. T, Hoddle, MS, Hough-Goldstein, J, Quarantine and Inspection Service and Morin, L, Smith, L et al. 2010, ‘Classical the Australian Government Department Ellison, C & Day, M 2011, ‘Current status of biological control for the protection of of Sustainability, Environment, Water, releases of Puccinia spegazzinii for Mikania natural ecosystems’, Biological Control 54 Population and Communities, Canberra. micrantha control’, Biocontrol News and (Supplement 1): S2–S33. Information 32(1): 1N–2N. Gentle, M, Eason, C, MacMorran, D, Aylett, Vitelli, JS & Madigan, BA 2011, ‘Evaluating P & Aster, D 2011, Development of cyanide for Long, RL, Kranner, I, Panetta, FD, Birtic, the efficacy of the EZ-Ject herbicide system feral pig and fox control, Invasive Animals S, Adkins, SW & Steadman, KJ 2011, in Queensland, Australia’, The Rangeland CRC, Canberra, 64 pp. ‘Wet-dry cycling extends seed persistence by Journal 33(3): 299–305. re-instating antioxidant capacity’, Plant and Gentle, M, Phinn, S & Speed, J 2011, Soil 338(1-2): 511–19. Vitelli, JS, Madigan, BA & van Haaren, PE Assessing pig damage in agricultural crops 2010, ‘Control techniques and management with remote sensing, Final report to the Osunkoya, OO, Bayliss, D, Panetta, FD strategies for the problematic navua sedge Australian Government Department of & Vivian-Smith, G 2010, ‘Leaf trait (Cyperus aromaticus)’, Invasive Plant Science Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra. co-ordination in relation to construction and Management 3(3): 315–26. cost, carbon gain and resource-use efficiency Gentle, M, Pople, T, Speed, J & Aster, D 2011, in exotic invasive and native woody vine Wearne, LJ, Clarkson, J, Grice, AC, van Assessing the role of harvesting in feral pig species’, Annals of Botany 106(2): 371–80. Klinken, R & Vitelli, JS 2010, ‘The biology of (Sus scrofa) management, Final report to Australian weeds. Hymenachne amplexicaulis the Queensland Murray–Darling Committee, Osunkoya, OO, Bayliss, D, Panetta, FD (Rudge) Nees’, Plant Protection Quarterly Toowoomba. & Vivian-Smith, G 2010, ‘Variation in 25(4): 146–61. ecophysiology and carbon economy of invasive and native woody vines of riparian White, E & Vivian-Smith, G 2011, ‘Contagious zones in south-eastern Queensland’, Austral dispersal of seeds of synchronously fruiting Ecology 35(6): 636–49. species beneath invasive and native fleshy- fruited trees’, Austral Ecology 36(2): 195–202.

10 Technical highlights: invasive plant and animal research 2010–11 Theses Dhileepan, K, Balu, A, Ahmed, SI, Singh, Osunkoya, OO, Perrett, C & Fernando, C 2010, S, Srivastava, K, Senthilkumar, M, ‘Population viability analysis models for Murugesan, S et al. 2010, ‘New biological L. (Verbenaceae): a weed of Boyne, RL 2011, Comparative leaf control opportunities for prickly acacia: national significance’, in SM Zydenbos (ed.), anatomy of invasive and non-invasive exploration in India’, in SM Zydenbos (ed.), Proceedings of the 17th Australasian Weeds climbers under different light levels: Proceedings of the 17th Australasian Weeds Conference, New Zealand Plant Protection implications for ecophysiological Conference, New Zealand Plant Protection Society, Christchurch, New Zealand, performance and phenotypic plasticity, Society, Christchurch, New Zealand, pp. 99–102. BAppSci Honours thesis, Queensland pp. 231–4. University of Technology, Brisbane. Pople, AR 2010, ‘The four reasons for Elsworth, PG 2010, ‘Virulence of field strains monitoring in pest management’, in of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus’, in Proceedings of the 3rd Queensland Pest Contributions to Proceedings of the 3rd Queensland Pest Animal Symposium, Gladstone, Queensland. Animal Symposium, Gladstone, Queensland. conferences and workshops Shabbir, A, Dhileepan, K, O’Donnell, C, Gentle, M 2010, ‘What gets killed by meat Khan, N & Adkins, SW 2010, ‘Management Papers baits for feral pigs?’, in Proceedings of the of parthenium weed: enhancing the 3rd Queensland Pest Animal Symposium, effectiveness of biological control through Adkins, SW, O’Donnell, C, Khan, N, Gladstone, Queensland. competition from beneficial plants’, in Nguyen, T, Shabbir, A, Dhileepan, K, SM Zydenbos (ed.), Proceedings of the 17th George, D, et al. 2010, ‘Parthenium weed Macanawai, AR, Day, MD, Tumaneng-Diete, T Australasian Weeds Conference, New Zealand (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) research in & Adkins, SW 2010, ‘Frequency and density Plant Protection Society, Christchurch, Australia: new management possibilities’, in of Mikania micrantha and other weeds in taro New Zealand, pp. 135–7. SM Zydenbos (ed.), Proceedings of the 17th and banana systems in eastern Viti Levu, Fiji’, Australasian Weeds Conference, New Zealand in SM Zydenbos (ed.), Proceedings of the 17th Plant Protection Society, Christchurch, Posters Australasian Weeds Conference, New Zealand New Zealand, pp. 120–3. Plant Protection Society, Christchurch, New Fleming, P, Tracey, J, Eccles, G, Gentle, M, Zealand, pp. 116–19. Henzell, R, Letnic, M, Jones, G et al. 2011, Allen, L & Byrne, D 2010, ‘Improving animal ‘Rainfall affects feral goat (Capra hircus) welfare outcomes when using foot-hold traps’, Macanawai, AR, Day, MD, Tumaneng-Diete, T home range in Australasia’, in G Saunders in Proceedings of the 3rd Queensland Pest & Adkins, SW 2010, ‘Some factors that & C Lane (eds), Proceedings of the 15th Animal Symposium, Gladstone, Queensland. may influence the invasiveness of Mikania Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference, micrantha Kunth ex H.B.K. in Fiji’, in Invasive Animals CRC, Sydney, p. 188. Brazier, D, McKenzie, J, Owen, A, Campbell, SD, SM Zydenbos (ed.), Proceedings of the 17th Vitelli, JS, Reid, A & Mayer, R 2010, ‘Evaluating Australasian Weeds Conference, New Zealand O’Bryan, L, Allen, L, Murray, P & Leung, L herbicides for the control of the invasive Plant Protection Society, Christchurch, New 2011, ‘How accurate are field-based estimates weed florestina (Florestina tripteris DC.)’, in Zealand, pp. 95–8. of the age of wild dogs?’, in G Saunders SM Zydenbos (ed.), Proceedings of the 17th & C Lane (eds), Proceedings of the 15th Australasian Weeds Conference, New Zealand McKenzie, J, Brazier, D, Owen, A, Vitelli, JS Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference, Plant Protection Society, Christchurch, New & Mayer, R 2010, ‘Stem injection: a control Invasive Animals CRC, Sydney, p. 197. Zealand, pp. 421–3. technique often overlooked for exotic woody weeds’, in SM Zydenbos (ed.), Proceedings Presentations Brennan, M & Berman, D 2010, ‘Benefits of of the 17th Australasian Weeds Conference, rabbit control in South East Queensland, and New Zealand Plant Protection Society, Allen, L 2011, ‘Capturing the benefits and methods used to measure the effectiveness of Christchurch, New Zealand, pp. 459–61. mitigating the negative impacts of wild dogs’, control’, in Proceedings of the 3rd Queensland in G Saunders & C Lane (eds), Proceedings of the Pest Animal Symposium, Gladstone, Mitchell, J 2010, ‘Feral pigs and freshwater 15th Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference, Queensland. ecosystems—not a good mix’, in Proceedings Invasive Animals CRC, Sydney, p. 69. of the 3rd Queensland Pest Animal Brooks, S & Jeffery, M 2010, ‘Status of Symposium, Gladstone, Queensland. Allen, L 2011, ‘Losing the battle of protecting Miconia calvescens and the eradication Australia’s sheep herd from wild dogs’, in program in Australia’, in LL Loope, J-Y Meyer, Murphy, HT & Brooks, S 2010, ‘The ecology of G Saunders & C Lane (eds), Proceedings of the BD Hardesty & CW Smith (eds), Proceedings Miconia calvescens in Australia’, in LL Loope, 15th Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference, of the International Miconia Conference, J-Y Meyer, BD Hardesty & CW Smith (eds), Invasive Animals CRC, Sydney, p. 72. Maui Invasive Species Committee and Pacific Proceedings of the International Miconia Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawaii Conference, Maui Invasive Species Committee Allen, L & Byrne, D 2011, ‘How do guardian at Manoa, Hawaii. and Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, dogs “work”?’, in G Saunders & C Lane

University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii. (eds), Proceedings of the 15th Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference, Invasive Animals CRC, Sydney, p. 158.

Technical highlights: invasive plant and animal research 2010–11 11 Allen, B, Engeman, R & Allen, L 2011, ‘How Fulford, G, Lee, X, Berman, D & Hamilton, Brooks, SJ 2011, Weed eradication target species strong is the “growing body of evidence” for G 2011, ‘Interaction of myxomatosis and research, Tropical Weed Eradication Operational dingo suppression of mesopredators? Putting rabbit haemorrhagic disease in wild rabbit Committee, South Johnstone, March. the methods under the microscope’, in populations’, in G Saunders & C Lane G Saunders & C Lane (eds), Proceedings of the (eds), Proceedings of the 15th Australasian Brooks, SJ 2011, Siam weed database analysis, 15th Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference, Vertebrate Pest Conference, Invasive Animals Tropical Weed Eradication Management Invasive Animals CRC, Sydney, p. 58. CRC, Sydney, p. 90. Committee, Townsville, April.

Balu, A, Dhileepan, K, Murugesan, S, Leung, LKP, Diete, R, Waller, N & Pople, AR Campbell, SD 2010, MLA rubber bush project Senthilkumar, P, Senthilkumar, M & 2011, ‘Effectiveness of zinc phosphide, overview, Rubber bush stakeholder workshop, Mahalakshimi, R 2010, Insect associates of cholecalciferol, and cholecalciferol/ Katherine, 10 November. Acacia nilotica Wild ex del. in social forestry coumatetralyl combination baits in reducing community lands, tank bed plantations and house mouse populations in maturing Campbell, SD 2010, Proposed rubber bush agro-forestry of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, wheat crops’, in G Saunders & C Lane research to improve control options, Barkly National Seminar on Tropical Ecosystems: (eds), Proceedings of the 15th Australasian Landcare Association, Helen Springs Station, Structure, Function and Services, Coimbatore, Vertebrate Pest Conference, Invasive Animals Tennant Creek, 13 August. Tamil Nadu, India, 28–29 December. CRC, Sydney, p. 140. Campbell, SD 2010, Weed eradication target Berman, D, Fuller, S & Brennan, M 2011, McLeod, S & Pople, AR 2011, ‘Modelling the species research, Tropical Weed Eradication ‘Key areas for rabbit control on property in distribution and relative abundance of feral Management Committee, Cairns, November. regions and nationally’, in G Saunders & camels in arid Australia’, in G Saunders C Lane (eds), Proceedings of the 15th & C Lane (eds), Proceedings of the 15th Campbell, SD 2011, General weed research Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference, Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference, update, MLA Northern Beef Industry Invasive Animals CRC, Sydney, p. 87. Invasive Animals CRC, Sydney, p. 63. Committee, Trafalgar Station, Charters Towers, 17 March. Day, MD 2010, Biocontrol of Chromolaena Mitchell, J 2011, ‘Feral pigs in the tropics: odorata (L.) King and Robinson (Asteraceae) impacts and solutions’, in G Saunders Campbell, SD 2011, Weed eradication target in Papua New Guinea, Eighth International & C Lane (eds), Proceedings of the 15th species research, Tropical Weed Eradication Workshop on Biological Control and Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference, Management Committee, Townsville, April. Management of Chromolaena odorata and other Invasive Animals CRC, Sydney, p. 149. Eupatorieae, Nairobi, Kenya, 1–5 November. Day, MD 2011, Biological control of lantana, Pople, AR & Cremasco, P 2011, ‘Population Mackay Regional Pest Management Group, Day, MD 2010, Biocontrol of Chromolaena dynamics of house mice in Queensland Brisbane, 15 March. odorata (L.) King and Robinson (Asteraceae) grain-growing areas’, in G Saunders & in Timor Leste, Eighth International Workshop C Lane (eds), Proceedings of the 15th Day, MD 2011, Biological control of lantana, on Biological Control and Management of Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference, National Lantana Management Group, Chromolaena odorata and other Eupatorieae, Invasive Animals CRC, Sydney, p. 125. Brisbane, 28 March. Nairobi, Kenya, 1–5 November. Day, MD 2011, Biological control of weeds in Day, MD 2010, Biological control of Mikania Forums and meetings Queensland, New South Wales Environment micrantha Kunth (Asteraceae) in Papua and Aquatic Weed Biocontrol Taskforce, New Guinea and Fiji using the rust fungus Allen, L 2011, Wild dog research, Port Macquarie, 24 May. Puccinia spegazzinii de Toni (Pucciniales: South East Queensland Pest Advisory Pucciniaceae), Eighth International Workshop Forum, Toowoomba, 22 March. Elsworth, P 2011, Rabbit control workshop, on Biological Control and Management of Invasive Animals CRC, Canberra, Chromolaena odorata and other Eupatorieae, Bickel, T 2011, Aquatic weed ecology and 27–28 January. Nairobi, Kenya, 1–5 November. management, War on Weeds: Aquatic Weeds Forum, Noosaville, 24 June. McKenzie, J 2010, Update on herbicide Dhileepan, K & McFadyen, RE 2010, application research, Biosecurity Queensland Current status of parthenium (Parthenium Brooks, SJ 2010, Weed eradication target officers (Arid West and Northern zones), hysterophorus) biological control agents in species research, External review panel of the TWRC Charters Towers, 12 October. Australia, First IOBC International Workshop Four Tropical Weeds Eradication Program, on Biological Control and Management of South Johnstone, August. McKenzie, J 2010, Florestina research update, Parthenium hysterophorus, Nairobi, Kenya, Shire Rural Lands Officers Group, Blackall, 1–5 November. 2 December.

Mitchell, J 2010, Feral pig research update, Gulf Catchments Pest Task Force, Hughenden, 24–25 November.

12 Technical highlights: invasive plant and animal research 2010–11 Mitchell, J 2010, Feral pigs, Biosecurity Dhileepan, K 2011, Monster weed control with Field days Queensland officers (Arid West and Northern foreign bugs, Interview on PM, ABC Radio zones), TWRC, Charters Towers, 12–13 October. National, 10 June. Allen, L 2011, Wild dog research, Pest animal control field day, Charters Towers, 6 May. O’Donnell, C 2010, Proposed control research Dhileepan, K 2011, Update on prickly acacia on rubber bush, Rubber bush stakeholder biocontrol research, Institute of Forest Allen, L 2011, Wild dog research, Wild dog workshop, Katherine, 10 November. Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, control field day, Townsville, 7 May. India, January. Osunkoya, OO 2011, Studying population Allen, L 2011, Wild dog research and dynamics of Lantana camara for better Dhileepan, K 2011, Weed control with demonstration of trapping, Wild dog control management, National Lantana Management bio-agents, Interview on MLA feedbackTV field day, Proserpine, 27 May. Group, Oxley, Brisbane, March. (Episode 14), 1 April.

Bickel, T 2011, Cunnamulla water lettuce Palmer, WA 2010, Cactus workshop, Mitchell, J 2010, Feral pigs, The University issues, Biosecurity Queensland staff Alan Fletcher Research Station, Sherwood, of Queensland (Gatton) students, TWRC, (Arid West) and community groups, Brisbane, 27 August. Charters Towers, 15 July. Cunnamulla, 14 March.

Vogler, WD 2010, Grader grass and Tecoma, Osunkoya, OO 2010, Biological invasions: Campbell, SD 2011, Biology, ecology and Biosecurity Queensland officers, TWRC, ecology, social ethics and policies, Tropical biological control of prickly acacia, Prickly Charters Towers, 12 October. Ecosystems Research Centre, CSIRO acacia/woody weed control field day, Sustainable Ecosystems, Darwin, July. Inkerman Station, Home Hill, 19 May. Vogler, WD 2010, Navua sedge, Malanda Beef Plan Group, Malanda, 18 July. Osunkoya, OO 2010, Weed population ecology McKenzie, J 2010, Woody weed control, research for better weed management, Kedron Woodstock Landcare Group, Woodstock/ Vogler, WD 2011, Navua sedge, Tablelands Brook Catchment Network Northern Seminar Calcium, 15 October. Regional Council, Malanda, 3 May. Series, McDowall, Brisbane, October.

McKenzie, J 2011, Woody weed control, Palmer, WA 2010, History of the Alan Fletcher Muttaburra Landcare, Muttaburra, 3 May. Lectures, seminars and Research Station, AFRS Closure Ceremony, Sherwood, Brisbane, 10 November. interviews McKenzie, J 2011, Woody weed control, Prairie Landcare, Prairie, 4 May. Palmer, WA 2010, History of the Alan Allen, L 2011, Research update on guardian Fletcher Research Station, Sherwood Corinda dog project, National Wild Dog Management Mitchell, J 2011, Feral pigs, Burdekin predator Historical Society, Corinda RSL Club, Advisory Group, Brisbane, 6–8 April. field day, Giru, April. Brisbane, 26 November.

Allen, L 2011, Wild dog research, Queensland Mitchell, J 2011, Feral pigs, Charters Towers Pukallus, KJ 2011, , Richmond Hill Dog Offensive Group, Brisbane, 17 June. predator field day, Charters Towers, 6 May. Primary School, Charters Towers, 25 February.

Campbell, SD 2010, Weed control, Millchester Pukallus, KJ 2011, Lantana biological control, Pukallus, KJ 2011, Insects, School of Distance State School, Charters Towers, 4 November. NQ Dry Tropics, Cungalla.Department of Education, Charters Towers, 6 May. Employment, Economic Day, MD 2010, Biological control of weeds, Development and Innovation Vogler, WD 2010, Weed ecology and control, Government of Solomon Islands Ministry of The University of Queensland students, 13 25 23 Agriculture and Livestock, Honiara, Solomon TWRC, Charters Towers, 15 July. Islands, 27 July. www.deedi.qld.gov.au Cs0830 2/12

Dhileepan, K 2011, Biological control of prickly acacia: research update, Ecosciences Precinct, Brisbane, 15 March.

Technical highlights: invasive plant and animal research 2010–11 13